"Not hammer-strokes, but dance of the water, sings the pebbles into perfection."
— Rabindranath Tagore

Sunday, May 07, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of May 7, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

05/08/17 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

Samantha Beharrysingh will be addressing the problems of unwanted insects and diseases in your garden. Solutions include attracting beneficial insects. If you have already planted your garden and are noticing these issues, be sure and come. If you are planning your next garden, this will help you get started. Ms. Beharrysingh has a diploma in Horticulture Technology and speaks on a variety of topics such as urban gardening. Time 6:30 to 8 PM and First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Rebecca Mahan at 812-334-0176 or palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.

05/09/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

05/09/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/09/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Center for Art and Spirit at Saint George, address is One School Road in west Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

05/09/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/09/17 DINNER AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR OCCUPY WNC IN SYLVA

Dinner is at 5:30 and General Assembly is at 7 PM. Free. Location is the Sneak E Squirrel at 1315 West Main Street in Sylva. This is a Facebook event.

05/09/17 ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE NAACP MONTHLY MEETING

Join the local branch of NAACP for our regular monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at Hill Street Baptist Church at 135 Hill Street in Asheville. Now through the General Election in November we will discuss the issues facing voters locally, in NC and the country. We educate and engage on these important issues. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request from NC to allow provisions of its controversial voting rights law to go back into effect. In a 4-4 split, justices left undisturbed the July 29th opinion of the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals that the restrictions “target African Americans with almost surgical precision.” The three-judge panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals found that the law was adopted with “discriminatory intent” despite NC lawmakers’ claims that the ID provision and other changes were designed to prevent voter fraud. Please register to vote. You DO NOT need ID to vote! Time is 6:30 to 8 PM.

05/10/17 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

05/10/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE FORUM

This will be from noon to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Location is Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. The forum presenter will be Roberta Madden and Amanda Kraus, speaking on the ERA. Contact eldersffj@gmail.com for more information.

05/10/17 DEFENDING YOUR CIVIL LIBERTIES FORUM SERIES

The Western North Carolina Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announces a new forum series, “Defending Your Civil Liberties.” This series of discussions will highlight issues surrounding the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The kickoff event for the forum series will focus on the First Amendment, specific to free speech and free press. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 7 to 9 PM at The BLOCK Off Biltmore on 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. A panel of representatives from different expressive media – online news reporting, radio broadcasting, storytelling, and book selling – will speak to the freedoms and responsibilities associated with free speech and free press. The panel discussion will be moderated by Frank Goldsmith, civil rights attorney and WNC Chapter of the ACLU board member. Panelists will include: Angie Newsome, Executive Director of Carolina Public Press; David Joe Miller, Storyteller and Spoken Word Artist; K.P. Whaley, General Manager of Asheville FM; and Melanie McNair, Assistant Manager and Author Event Coordinator of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. Local music artist and ACLU supporter, The Moon and You, will accompany the kickoff event with a musical performance. The “Defending Your Civil Liberties” forum series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Hilary Chiz at hilarychiz@gmail.com or call 828-785-2683.

05/10/17 PRESENTATION ON REDISTRICTING IN NORTH CAROLINA

Redistricting in NC Presentation - Why Redistricting is Important to North Carolina. Time is 4:30 PM and location is Reuter Center Manheimer Room at UNCA. Learn more about why redistricting (or better known as gerrymandering) is important and how it impacts elections. Join us on Wednesday, May 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the Manheimer Room to better understand the topic. There will be a 15 minute Q&A period at the end.

05/11/17 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MEETING

The NCDOT will hold a public meeting in Asheville 12:30 to 3:30 PM on May 11 at the N.C. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way. The meeting is one in a series of workshops the NCDOT is holding statewide as it develops a Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan. The plan’s aim is to improve bus, rail, and paratransit services across the state by better matching transit services to the needs of North Carolinians. People are invited to provide input at community workshops across the state as part of this plan. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required. This is a Facebook event. [If you are in Asheville and would like a ride, I might be able to help. Contact Susan at dancewater2@gmail.com.]

05/11/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “Disturbing the Peace” is the title of tonight’s film. Directors Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young’s documentary illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing the stories of former combatants on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing stories of former combatants on both sides of the conflict. This historic and contemporary coming together of Israeli and Palestinian veterans to seek peace inspired a rapturous ovation when it screened at Ebertfest. After viewing the film, we will have a Skype discussion with the director and producer. It is possible that one of the veterans featured in the film will be with us in person. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center at One Campus Drive, Room 102, at UNCA.

05/11/17 TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIC PLAN MEETING

NC Public Transportation Division announces upcoming community workshops. Public input welcomed as strategic plan is developed. This May, stakeholders and the public are invited to provide input at community workshops across the state as part of the North Carolina Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan. The N.C. Department of Transportation is developing the Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan to improve bus, rail, and paratransit services across the state by better matching transit services to the needs of North Carolinians. The workshops will be free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to attend. Time is 12:30 to 3:30 PM and location is NC Arboretum at 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville. For more information, contact Davis at dbender@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-4678.

05/11/17 THE ALLY DRAMA TRIANGLE: DOING ALLY WORK WITH RESONANCE AND LESS DRAMA

A Courageous and Challenging Meetup for Persecutors, Victims, Rescuers, Bystanders and Allies. Sexism. Queerphobia. Racism. Who are you doing it to? Who's doing it to you? Who's saving whom? Who's doing nothing? Who are you allying with? What's happening when you act out the “Drama Triangle” in any and all the roles of persecutor, victim, rescuer, bystander and ally with others in our world of White male privilege and domination? We explore the dynamics of interpersonal, structural, economic and institutional systems of injustice and the ways each of us is the oppressed, the oppressor and the savior, and learn to serve as allies with less drama and deeper resonance and respect in all our engagements.Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Duncan Tam at duncan2729@yahoo.com for more information.

05/12/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

05/12/17 ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE

Environmental & Social Justice Film, “How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change”, will be on Friday, May 12th at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. On Friday, May 12th, we are screening the important new documentary “How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change”, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. In How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change, Oscar Nominated director Josh Fox (Gasland) continues in his deeply personal style, investigating climate change – the greatest threat our world has ever known. Traveling to 12 countries on six continents, the film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks, what is so deep within us that no calamity can take it away? Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville One Edwin Place in Asheville. There is no charge for viewing the film Donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.

05/12/17 INTERFAITH MEETING WITH LOCAL LEGISLATORS

The Tikkun Olam Committee of Congregation Beth HaTephila will be hosting a forum on Friday, May 12th from 9:15 to 10:30 AM to hear from local legislators and learn more about current public policy and how the Jewish community and other faith groups can get involved. Tips on how to best communicate with local elected officials, and network with other clergy and lay leaders interested in public policy advocacy will be discussed. Topics will include: housing affordability, investments in early childhood, public transportation, health care and juvenile justice. Carolina Jews for Justice/West, Congregation Beth Israel and Children First/Communities in Schools are co-sponsors of this event. Refreshments will be served. Congregation Beth HaTephila is located at 43 N. Liberty Street in Asheville, and there is a parking lot adjacent to the building. Contact Anna for more information at anna@carolinajewsforjustice.org.

05/12/17 HEALTH CARE RALLY - WE STILL WANT HEALTHCARE

Let's remind Sen. Richard Burr that we're watching what he's doing with regards to health care. Let's get out of our chairs, away from our computers and stand up to save lives. Time is noon to 1 PM and location is the Federal Building on Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

05/13/17 MOUNTAIN TRUE PROGRAM

Equity in Planning: A MountainTrue program on the lasting impact of urban renewal policies. Join MountainTrue on Saturday, May 13 from 9 AM to noon as we explore the legacy of urban renewal policies and their impacts on Asheville’s communities of color. With Asheville rated one of the fastest gentrifying cities in the U.S., it is critically important that we make land use, planning and development decisions thoughtfully and inclusively. This program will include a facilitated discussion at the Wesley Grant Center, followed by a trolley tour led by Hood Huggers International’s DeWayne Barton and MountainTrue’s Co-Executive Director Julie Mayfield. In addition to DeWayne and Julie, special guests lending topic area expertise to the facilitated discussion will include locals from Asheville, a professor of history from UNC Asheville, and other community representatives to provide insights into how Asheville has changed as a city. As Asheville continues to grow, MountainTrue is committed to supporting neighborhoods and residents in protecting the integrity of their communities and advocating for policies that will keep the city walkable, bike able and affordable for current and long-time residents. Participants will learn how the history of urban renewal in Asheville impacted African-American communities and we will discuss ways we can help prevent this in the future. Tickets for this event are $25 for members of MountainTrue and $40 for non-members, which includes a 2017 membership to MountainTrue. Space is limited due to the size of the trolley, so sign-up today. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information including how to register.

05/13/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Come join us to help advance our mission to build political will for a livable world. We'll listen to the national call and talk about our strategies in Asheville and WNC to help pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change - called Carbon Fee & Dividend. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc. Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road (enter in back) in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

05/13/17 REP. MARK MEADOWS EMPTY CHAIR TOWN HALL

We've invited Rep. Meadows to answer questions from his constituents about current legislative and executive concerns in Washington, DC. We'll have guest speakers, too. See you there. Time is 10 AM to 1 PM and location is Jackson Park, Shelter #1, in Hendersonville. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information. This is a Facebook event.

05/13/17 ABOUT ASHEVILLE’S GOVERNMENT

From The Asheville Blade: One of the common themes is . . . . . the importance of local government. But Asheville's government, while it shapes the lives of everyone in the city, can often be dauntingly opaque to locals looking to get involved. So The Asheville Blade is offering a presentation, ‘About Asheville's Government’ at 2 PM on May 13 at the Block off Biltmore at South Market and Eagle Street in downtown Asheville. Drawing from over a decade of experience covering City Hall, The Asheville Blade will lay out how local government works, what specific major issues this year, some of the approaches The Asheville Blade has seen and answer questions. If you can't make the session at that time or location, don't worry. We have two more “About Asheville's Government” presentations in the works, and are finalizing details and locations right now. The goal is to have this information session available to as many people as possible who might need it. This was posted on Facebook.

05/14/17 COTHINKK: LEANING IN HARD, DECISIONS & FELLOWSHIP

CoThinkk is a “giving circle” that uses our collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American & Latinx communities in Asheville and Western NC. This meeting continues to build upon the work to unpack our 2017 Theme: "Collaboration & Alliance-Building." This meeting is designed specifically to inform key decision-making and mutual agreement regarding next steps for the work ahead. This meeting will take on a slightly different format to allow time to balance all of our hard work with some much needed fellowship and fun together. The agenda is: 1:30pm-3:00 pm: CoThinkk meeting; 3:00pm:3:30pm: travel to Sky Lanes bowling; 3:30pm-5:30pm: bowling and fellowship. We continue to look forward to having diverse voices and communities in the room to help shape this agenda. If you have any questions or concerns please free to send me an e-mail at Cothinkk@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing everyone in the room. Meeting location is 37 Montford Avenue in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Please RSVP by May 10, 2017. We need everyone's voice!

05/14/17 TOWN HALL WITH TERRY VAN DUYN AND JOHN AGER

There's a lot going on in Raleigh right now, so it seems like a good time to meet with some elected officials. The primary focus of the event will be the repeal of HB2, but it will also cover the bill passed by the NC Senate that divides Asheville into districts to vote for city council, and Republican attempts to reduce Governor Cooper’s authority over the state Board of Elections. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is Stephens Lee Recreation Center at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

05/15/17 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE COALITION MEETING

What is the Democracy Asheville Coalition? Our local coalition brings together organizational representatives and individuals who agree to work together to change and use the political system so it equips people to take action, promotes grassroots leadership, and serves “the good of the whole.” We want an elections process that is accessible, fair, and secure. And we want a government “of, by, and for the people,” that fosters equity, solidarity, and justice. Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville meeting at the Wesley Grant Center (285 Livingston Street in Asheville) on May 15, at 6 PM. Join us for our regular monthly coalition meeting for updates on events, trainings, campaigns, reports, legislation, and anything else you need to know. Please RSVP below to let us know you're coming. Contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org with questions.

05/16/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

05/16/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, including instructions on how to register for the event and for childcare, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653.

05/16/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/16/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

A monthly progressives meet-up that features short films and discussions. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/16/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/16/17 LUNCH AND LEARN AT PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

We are hosting our first of our community event series as a Lunch'n Learn about Pisgah Legal Services and child poverty in WNC. This is presented by Buncombe County League of Women Voters. Learn how Pisgah Legal Services works to alleviate and prevent child poverty. Lunch will be catered. Time is 11:30 to 1 PM and location is 62 Charlotte Street in Asheville. RSVP to brent@pisgahlegal.org or call 828-210-3405.

05/16/17 MEETING ON THE SANCTUARY MOVEMENT

The Land of the Sky United Church of Christ will be holding a meeting on the Sanctuary Movement on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 in its Fellowship Hall at 15 Overbrook Place in east Asheville. Contact Land of the Sky UCC at office@landoftheskychurch.org or call (828) 575-9050.

05/16/17 BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES

Join the Asheville Board of Realtors, Roger McGuire Fund, Urban3 and the Asheville Downtown Association will host a free presentation and discussion with Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns. Chuck founded Strong Towns with a mission to support a model of development that allows America's cities, towns and neighborhoods to grow financially strong and resilient. He’s the author of “Thoughts on Building Strong Towns” and “A World Class Transportation System,” as well as the host of the “Strong Towns Podcast.” Join us for a presentation and discussion about the ­financial health of our places. For decades we have avoided a dif­ficult truth: Our pattern of development—the very way we build our towns and neighborhoods—costs more to maintain than it generates in return. Our cities and states now face a ­financial crisis of tremendous proportions. We can cut spending and we can raise taxes, but we will not be on a path to sustained prosperity unless we are willing to reform our approach to growth.

Chuck will answer questions like why are cities so short of resources despite decades of growth and why do we struggle at the local level to maintain basic infrastructure and what do we do now that the economy has changed so dramatically? The answers lie in the way we have developed; the financial productivity of our places. This presentation is a game-changer for communities looking to grow more resilient and obtain true prosperity during changing times. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is The Collider at 1 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Free. This is sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Association, and registration by Eventbrite is required. Contact the Asheville Downtown Association for more information.

05/17/17 GREEN DRINKS

This is a Sustainability and Social Justice Meet-up. Come early for community connections and green drink specials. This happens on the third Wednesday of each month. Socializing from 5:30 – 6PM and presentation from 6 – 7PM. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street at Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

05/17/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB

Founded in 2012, the Green Grannies are a group of women who are willing to make a ruckus about the need for action on climate change. This is their reading group and in February they are reading Dr. Barber's The Third Reconstruction. Time is noon and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/17/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE FORUM

This will be from noon to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Location is Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. The forum presenter will be Gene Bell, speaking on Asheville racial justice challenges. Contact eldersffj@gmail.com for more information.

05/18/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “The Occupation of the American Mind” is the title of tonight’s film. Directors Loretta Alper and Jeremy Earp’s documentary examines how public relations efforts in the U.S. have shaped media coverage and public attitudes about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This film examines how public relations efforts shape U.S. media coverage and perception about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie is especially powerful and relevant because of the recent cascade of “false news” and manipulation currently affecting our mass media. Discussion after the film will open with panelists commenting briefly from their different perspectives and then be followed by observations and questions from the audience. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center, Room 102, at UNCA.

05/19/17 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

05/19/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

05/20/17 TRANSFORMATION HAS BEGUN

The transformation has begun. Maitreya, the world teacher, is in the world. Rise of people power. Economic, social, environmental justice. Signs/miracles. Free presentation. Time is 2 PM and location is Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Call 398-0609 for more information.

05/20/17 FRENCH BROAD RIVER CLEANUP

On water in canoes provided by Greenworks, and on land, if enough sign ups. Party and free beer after at Highland Brewing. Contact Mark Threlkeld at focusmdt@gmail.com to RSVP and for more information. Time is 10 AM.

05/21/17 ABOUT ASHEVILLE’S GOVERNMENT PART TWO

Local government is incredibly important, shaping everything from housing to equity to safety. Asheville’s government is no exception and in a changing time like this, it's more key than ever. But it's often hard for locals to know where to start or understand how to get involved in “Avlgov.” The Blade, our city's reader-backed news source, has you covered. By popular request, we're providing a presentation (and Q & A) titled ‘About Asheville's Government’ on this very topic, at 2 PM on Saturday, May 13 at the Block off Biltmore (South Market Street in downtown Asheville) and at 2 PM on Sunday, May 21 at Firestorm Books (610 Haywood Avenue in west Asheville). In this handy session editor David Forbes, who's covered City Hall for over a decade, will present a rundown of how local government works, what some major current issues are, answer questions and lay out some of the most effective ways for locals to get involved. These events are free and open to the public, though donations to support the Blade's work are always welcome. This information came from The Blade website.

05/22/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.

05/23/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

05/23/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/23/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/23/17 BUILDING A NATIONAL GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT FOR UNIVERSAL SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE

Dr. Margaret Flowers of Physicians for a National Health Plan will be coming to NC on a statewide speaking tour on Building a National Grassroots Movement for Universal Single Payer Healthcare from May 22 to 25. She will be in Asheville on May 23, 2017. Location TBD. Time will be 6:30 PM. We will post updates and locations very soon. “I call the public option what it really is, the profiteer’s option, because it is a relief valve for the private insurers,” said Dr. Margaret Flowers of Health Over Profit. “They will keep the healthiest enrollees and the public option will attract people who need health care. We can’t delay the solution to our healthcare crisis,” Flowers said. “If Democrats want public support, they need to get more active in advocating for single payer. Those who don’t will show the public that they are on the wrong side of this issue.” This came from a Facebook post from the NC Green Party. I will update as more information is received.

05/24/17 AUTHOR EVENT IN ASHEVILLE

The Mediation Center will be presenting Chuck Collins, author of “On Coming Home: A Pathway to Reducing Inequalities.” Chuck Collins, a storyteller, researcher, agitator and campaigner who grew up in the wealthiest 1 percent, has spent the last 30 years working on issues of racial and economic justice and shifting the stuck national debate about wealth inequality, racial wealth divisions, and taxation. His newest book is “Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good.” The PBS Newshour called this book “one of the five new books that makes you think about what it means to be human.” Join the conversation about finding common ground to create stronger communities for everyone. Location is Asheville Masonic Temple at 80 Broadway Street in Asheville. Tickets are $12, event only/$42, with pre-event reception. Time is 5:30 PM for reception with Mr. Collins, and 6:30 - 8 PM for the talk by Chuck Collins. Contact Laura Jeffords at laurahj@mediatewnc.org with questions or for sponsorship opportunities.

05/25/17 PISGAH LEGAL AMBASSADOR TRAINING

Please join us for Ambassador Training. Ambassador training provides board members, volunteers, and supporters with an overview of key information about Pisgah Legal Services' programs, plans, and fundraising. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more to get an "insider's" snapshot of PLS. It is also an opportunity to share your insights on how we communicate our messages in the community. Time is noon, and location is Pisgah Legal Services at 62A Charlotte Street in Asheville. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Brent McKnight at brent@pisgahlegal.org or 828-210-3405 if you plan to attend.

05/26/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

05/28/17 SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN HENDERSONVILLE

This will be at the Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Hendersonville (between 1st and 2nd Streets) from 5 to 6 PM. There will be signs available for people to hold, or you can bring your own. This is a coalition of churches and nonprofits. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens monthly. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/28/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES

The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to raise funding for WNC nonprofits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today is Cherokee Seed Corn. Act I is Bill Berg Trio and Act II is the Daniel Barber Quartet. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

05/30/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

05/30/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/30/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument during most of the year, but after standard time kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.

Showing Up for Racial Justice Do!scussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.

WEDNESDAY

Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Green Grannies Book Club meets at noon at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville.

Green Drinks meets at 7 PM at The Block Off Biltmore on the third Wednesday of the month.

Sierra Club meets at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist in Asheville on the first Wednesday of the month.

THURSDAY

Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

Welcome Home Tour by Homeward Bound on the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information.

Asheville Prison Books Program is held at Downtown Books & News from 4 to 7 PM.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville.

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at 23 Edwin Street, next to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

SATURDAY

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Mountain True holds urban forest workdays on the second Saturday of the month at Richmond Hill Park from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call 258-8737 for more information.

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meeting at 12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center on second Saturday of the month.